Blog Reflection

Dillon Hinshaw

EDCO390-51

February 28, 2016

      First and foremost, using blogger has been a pleasant experience. I haven't really blogged before, so this was a refreshing experience. Blogger is very simple to use, and has many tools that can be utilized if one wishes to access them. As far as the benefits of this service for students goes, I would say that there is a limitless amount of content and information that could be produced and shared among students. With this, I would say that this service and those that are similar in nature should be used carefully with students. There is an almost absolute freedom on these blogging sites, so supervision will be required. For use in the classroom, I would probably assign groups to contribute to specific blogs. Students would take turns making posts on a given topic, culminating in a completed blog that would align with the core topic. Research is never the problem with these types of assignments, but how to present the assignment can cause some issues. There is always the question of how things should be ordered, and what should be covered next. Choosing a topic in the beginning of a blog can be a difficult task. It is important to choose a broad topic that can be built upon progressively. Regardless, this was quite a fun experience, and I expect to do more blogging in the future.

Computers in the Classroom

Dillon Hinshaw

EDCO390-51

February 23, 2016

            Computers have become an essential component to daily life. One can hardly have a day go by in the civilized world without encountering a computer. They remain one of the most useful tools available today. Now, many educators use computers with zero prejudice in the classroom. Yet, is it hard to say if this is right or wrong. There are certainly many benefits to having computers in the classroom at all times, but there are certainly downfalls as well.

            Looking at how computers have made classrooms different is a simple thing to do. There is a limitless amount of information at the fingertips of students and teachers alike. Having computers allows use of many different programs that can heavily alter the function of classrooms. Using computers can make learning a constantly interactive experience (Tucker). Also, having computers decreased the face to face activities that are done in school. Not by a huge amount yet, but schools with computers in classrooms have more and more assignments that are solely based in a virtual setting (Rushkoff, 2012).

            The advantages of having and using computers in the classroom are many. Computers in the classroom allows for more management of homework for students, and numerous programs for teachers to use in aid to instruction. There are many websites and programs that can be used to increase skills within students, but should be used carefully (Tucker). Computers can also help with different learning styles, and keep more children in check. Perhaps most importantly, using computers can promote group projects to be more fruitful. Many students can use computers to be more social, and break out of their shells (Ramey, 2012).

            The disadvantages of having and using computers in the classroom are just as many as the advantages. Using computers constantly can cause issues in reading for many students. Along with this, students who put tons of time on the computer in and out of the home are not nearly as social as other students (Sherman, 2015). There is also the issue of the constant distractions computers can cause for students. Students may be tasked with doing one thing, and could end up doing another on the internet, get lost playing some game, etc. There is also the high cost of having a computer full of classrooms, and the maintenance costs (Ramey, 2012).

            Computers are exceptionally useful in most regards. Using them can cause major breakthroughs for many students, but can be harmful to others. The inclusion of computers in the classroom will continue to become a norm. In time, there may be a point when every student has a personal computer, and they will always be connected. It is hard to say if this is a good or bad thing, but time always tells. We can look forward to more in the future.

References:

Ramey, Karehka. "The Pros and Cons of Using Computers In Classrooms." Use of Technology. 07 Nov. 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Rushkoff, Douglas. "Computers in the Classroom: A Mindful Lens on Technology." Edutopia. 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Sherman, Erik. "A Warning about Computers in the Classroom." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 16 Sept. 2015. Web. 23 Feb. 2016.

Tucker, Kristine. "How Have Computers Changed Learning in the Classroom?" Everyday Life. Web. 23 Feb. 2016. 

A Look at PowerPoint

Dillon Hinshaw

EDCO390-51

February 12, 2016

           The PowerPoint and other similar programs have been in use for many years. They allow for quite a bit of variation in presentation. This post will follow the 21.3-5.TL.1 in regard to use of PowerPoint and similar programs in and out of the classroom. Along with this, it will cover the effectiveness of PowerPoint, as in if it helps or hinders student learning. I don’t think there is a right answer, but both views will be looked at a little more closely.

            New ways to keep instruction interesting are quite important for educators the world over. This can come in various forms, but a program that is highly used to help instruction is PowerPoint. PowerPoint is a versatile program that puts many new possibilities on the table. The PowerPoint program can allow use of videos, slides, and audio, among other things to spice up instruction or presentations. This can help students keep focus, but can possibly cause attention issues as well (Effective Use of PowerPoint, 2016).

            PowerPoint can be used to supplement instruction, but should not be used as a crutch. It can be used to give a more visual approach to lessons, so as to cover more than one learning style, as many students learn more effectively when more than one learning style is present. Again, these are meant to be used as aids to instruction, and should not be abused. Now, students are also able to utilize PowerPoint (Effective Use of PowerPoint, 2016). Students can use PowerPoint for presentations in class and for collaboration. The PowerPoint can allow students to create some extremely interesting projects that allow for both enthralling homework assignments and compelling presentations. Having students use PowerPoint over standing in front of the class reading a paper is advised, as it creates a far more exciting environment for both the presenter and the audience. Often, students will be nervous simply in front of the class giving a speech, so this can help alleviate some of that anxiety (Using PowerPoint in the Classroom, 2016).

            Now, knowing the advantages to using PowerPoint in the class as a teacher and/or student, there are many disadvantages as well. Using PowerPoint and similar programs can hinder a class just as much as it can help one. PowerPoints can often be either overcomplicated or too simple. This can lead students in the wrong direction and cause learning issues. The overall display can be distracting to students, and may take away from what the teacher is discussing (Weimer, 2012). Another downside to the PowerPoint is that students may become dependent on the information within. No longer will students adapt what the teacher is discussing, but will solely take what is on the screen for notes. Along with this, students creating PowerPoints for class may use them as a way to do little work, or as crutch for less than great projects (Smith, 2015).

            

           PowerPoint is an exceptional program. It will continue to be used the world over, and will probably have an increase in use in the years to come. Using PowerPoint as a teacher can be both a blessing and a curse. It is up to the given teacher to utilize the program appropriately, so as to make it worthwhile. Teachers will need to give assignments that will let students make interesting and varied PowerPoints, as the creative possibilities are endless. The PowerPoint program is really as strong as the one who is using it (Weimer, 2012).

References:

Effective Use of PowerPoint. (2016). Retrieved February 08, 2016, from http://fctl.ucf.edu/TeachingAndLearningResources/Technology/PowerPoint/index.php

Smith, A. (2015, September 23). How PowerPoint is killing critical thought | Andrew Smith. Retrieved February 08, 2016, from http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/23/powerpoint-thought-students-bullet-points-information

 Using PowerPoint in the Classroom. (2016). Retrieved February 08, 2016, from http://www.investintech.com/content/powerpoint/

Weimer, M. (2012, August 01). Does PowerPoint Help or Hinder Student Learning? Retrieved February 08, 2016, from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/does-powerpoint-help-or-hinder-learning/